Stay away from the flu: what you can do.

Don't badger your doctor into prescribing an antibiotic until a culture or other tests show you need one. Antibiotics are powerless against flu and other viruses and may cause side effects.

Keep some generic amantidine (Symmetrel by Endo Labs) in your medicine cabinet to prevent and treat flu symptoms. A prescription is needed. Doctors recommend taking two capsules of 200 milligrams twice a day for five to ten days at the first sign of the flu.

If you don't wear gloves, don't shake hands. Give friends a pat on the back rather than a handshake, an embrace, or a kiss. Use alcohol-based hand sanitizers, such as Purell or Kimcare.

Cough or sneeze into a tissue. If tissues aren't available, cough into a sleeve.

Be aware that doorknobs, telephones, and computer keyboards may harbor dangerous germs. Polish and sanitize your home and work areas as much as possible to protect your family.